Any reason I'd need weight distribution?

x98grow wrote:
1. Since the truck seems to ride evenly and handle well without weight distribution and the trailer is light, would there still be any reason to install weight distribution?

What does your Dodge Ram Owners Manual say about the need for a weight distribution hitch?

I'm guessing that, as a minimum, it says something like:

Never exceed the maximum tongue weight stamped on
your bumper or trailer hitch.

So, if you want a proper answer to your question,
load the TT as it would be loaded for camping and measure the tongue weight.


Ron

I'd go ahead with the WD set-up.
Pretty sure you'll be happier in the long run.

Our good neighbors across the road here bought an 18 footer last year.
Towed with their Toyota Tundra a few times and ended up going back and to Camping World to get the WD.

I guess one trip out with a broadside wind on the way home changed their minds.

Check the rating on your receiver. Usually they are 500-5000 non WD and 1000-10,000 with WD. Those are just examples. But from what I've seen most trucks are around the 500lb non WD tongue weight rating. If you are at 10% on your TW and your TT comes in around the 3-4000lbs loaded then I see no reason for a WD.

You do not need either as long as you keep plenty of tongue weight... the more the better. Sway is caused by not enough tongue weight. PUs are heavy on the front so 500 lbs on the back of your PU will make it ride better.

Your trailer is heavier than you think. A trip to CAT Scale will give you the needed info. The 185fbs lists at between 2600 and 2900# depending on what website you check and those are "Dry" weights which are worthless. You are probably over 3,000# before you load and over 4,000 ready to camp. It is rated for an impressive 2925# of CCC which could put you closer to 6,000#. Assuming you roll down the road at 4,000# you will have over 500# of tongue weight which puts you in WDH territory. The good news is you will have lots of choices when it comes to sway control as an integral part of the WDH.

Try measuring the front fender height before and after hooking up, it needs to be the same but I suspect it is rising a couple of inches. Try it at night and see what it does for your headlights. I think you will find that it tows even better with a properly set WDH and sway control is never a bad idea. As always.... Opinions and YMMV. :C